Dr. Michael Lagana earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree from Life University in Marietta, GA in 1993 as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. He is also a Certified Injury Prevention Specialist, Corporate Health Coach, Risk Management Consultant and guest lecturer. Dr. Lagana started Backsmart Wellness Center in 1998 in Edison, NJ because he loves helping people and making a difference in their lives. As a strong advocate for wellness and preventative care, Dr. Lagana spends a great deal of time educating the community about how to take an active role in their own health to decrease the effects of stress and illness on the body.

Dr. Lagana is married with 3 children and enjoys boating, snowboarding and spending time with his family in his free time.

Michael Orlando D.C., D.A.C.A.N., C.C.S.P., C.P.T

Dr. Orlando was in private practice, specializing in sports injuries, functional neurology and chronic pain for over 20 yrs. The last five years of which have been dedicated to multidisciplinary care. He has post graduate degrees in Sports Medicine and Neurology as well as being a certified fitness trainer.

For the past 8 years Dr. Orlando has developed and directed a holistic practice which focuses on developmental disorders of childhood and functional nutrition.

He has recently relocated to NJ and has found a home here at Backsmart.

Christine M. Chimento, PT, DPT - Director of Physical Therapy

Dr. Christine Chimento graduated from Quinnipiac University with both a B.S. in Health Sciences (2003) and a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy (2005). She also went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2011.

She has been a practicing physical therapist since March 2005 and continues to expand her skills and knowledge by attending numerous continuing education courses. Some topics include sports injuries, joint mobilizations and post-operative rehabilitation.

Dr. Chimento combines her positive attitude and compassion with a strong orthopedic background to achieve the best results possible with her patients. She loves helping patients return to work and all the activities that they enjoy without pain. Dr. Chimento utilizes patient education along with manual techniques and individualized exercise programs to help patients reach optimal mental and physical well-being.

When not at work, Dr. Chimento enjoys traveling with her husband, playing with their dog, cooking, reading and watching movies.

Li “Charlie” Chen L.Ac. - Director of Acupuncture

Li “Charlie” Chen received an M.D. in Orthopedics of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Chengdu Sports University in China in 1997. After graduation, Charlie worked in China’s first sports injury hospital, Sichuan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital where he spent 10 years as a resident and attending physician. Charlie continued his education and obtained a master’s degree in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine while in China.

In 2007, Charlie came to the United States where he worked as a research assistant for the International Association of Chinese Medical Specialists & Psychologists in New York City. He received his Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine) from The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2008. In 2010, Charlie received a master’s degree in Health Science/Acupuncture.

For the past six years, Charlie has worked as a certified Acupuncturist in New Jersey specializing in the treatment of orthopedic conditions, headaches, facial rejuvenation, stress relief, weight loss, insomnia and digestive disorders among others. Charlie is a member of both the American Traditional Chinese Medicine Society in NY and the China Association of Acupuncture- Moxibustion (CAAM) in Beijing, China.

Michelle Lagana - Director of Marketing & Community Outreach Development

Michelle joined Backsmart in 1998 as the Director of Marketing and Community Outreach Development. She is responsible for all marketing, advertising and promotional activities for Backsmart. In addition, Michelle spends much of her time educating corporations, schools and government municipalities on the importance of wellness and disease prevention in the workplace. A graduate of Georgia State University, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing & has over 20 years experience in the healthcare industry.

Michelle Weckesser - Office Manager

Michelle began working at Backsmart as the front desk receptionist in 2006. She has worked hard to educate herself in the areas of health and wellness as well as business management and earned her chiropractic assistant certification in 2008. Michelle was promoted to office manager in 2008 and oversees the office duties of all the Backsmart facilities.

Donna Nagy - Patient Care Coordinator

Donna joined Backsmart in 2008 as the front desk receptionist with a strong background in chiropractic, physical therapy and rehabilitation. She handles patient scheduling and insurance verifications in addition to numerous other administrative responsibilities and is a strong asset to the Backsmart team.

Joanne Rinna Goloyugo, LMT - Director of Massage Therapy

Joanne Rinna Goloyugo graduated from Lincoln Technical institute in 2008, completing therapeutic massage and body work techniques. She is certified in prenatal, reflexology and sport massage, however she specializes in deep tissue and trigger point techniques.

When Rinna is not massaging she enjoys cooking and eating her native Filipino food. She also enjoys watching television with her family and singing karaoke.

Leah Kleiner, LMT - Massage Therapist

Leah recently graduated from The Institute for Therapeutic Massage. She is trained in medical massage techniques - including working with specific common pathologies, reflexology, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, chair massage and sports massage.

Leah's approach combines client focused holistic healing and compassion, along with the proper techniques to relieve pain and increase range of motion. Leah enjoys life to the fullest by exercising mind and body with kickboxing, yoga, photography, reading, cooking and spending time laughing with her friends, family and 2 dogs.

Xiao “Rose” Zhou, LMT - Massage Therapist

Xiao “Rose” Zhou graduated from the Therapeutic Massage and Training Center in Westfield, NJ in 2011. She trained in myofascial release, the essence of human movement, sports massage, sound therapy, quantum touch, chair massage and deep tissue massage as well as acupressure and acupoint work.

Rose enjoys helping people relieve stress and pain to allow healing to take place. She is frequently heard around the office saying “I’m happy because you are happy!” She definitely does what she says and is a valuable asset to the Backsmart team.

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